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Local sports briefs: Wildcats, Jayhawks named to watch lists

Kansas State senior offensive lineman B.J. Finney — for the third straight season — was one of 66 players nationally named to the Rimington Trophy. The award is presented to the nation’s most outstanding center. Also, for the second straight season, Wildcat senior wideout Tyler Lockett is on the preseason watch list for the Paul Hornung Award, given to the most versatile player in college football, and the Maxwell Award, presented to the nation’s top college player. Senior Jake Waters is also up for the Maxwell, and senior defensive end Ryan Mueller is up for the Bednarik, given to the college defensive player of the year.

TWO KU GRIDDERS SNAG PRESEASON HONORS: Kansas’ Jimmay Mundine was named to the John Mackey Award preseason watch list Tuesday. The award is given to the nation’s top college tight end. Also, Ben Heeney has been named to the Chuck Bednarik Award watch list.

SPORTING KC SIGNS ROOKIE MIDFIELDER KAFARI: Sporting Kansas City signed 22-year-old midfielder Michael Kafari on Tuesday, adding the native of Ghana with a supplemental roster spot. Kafari, who moved to the U.S. at the age of 9, starred for New Mexico in college, helping the Lobos to a 58-16-12 record during his career. His 82 appearances are sixth-most in school history. He was drafted by Vancouver in the third round of this year’s MLS draft and signed with USL PRO affiliate Charleston. But when he became available, Sporting KC manager Peter Vermes said he jumped at the opportunity to sign a player he had scouted in college.

SSG REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS FRIDAY:The deadline to register for the 24th Sunflower State Games is Friday. Those interested may register online at www.sunflowergames.com or by mail or walk-in at 820 S. Kansas Avenue, Topeka, 66610. Some of the sports also accept day-of registrations.

LOCAL BASEBALL HOF CEREMONY APPROACHING:The second annual Shawnee County Baseball Hall of Fame dinner and induction ceremony is scheduled July 14 at Bettis Family Sports Complex. Inductees are Terry Bettis, Jim Golden, Butch Nieman, Joe Oliva and the 1947 Topeka High team. Tickets are priced at $25 and can be purchased by calling 267-1156 (x2658).

KICKOFF TIME SET FOR WASHBURN’S ARROWHEAD GAME: Washburn will kick off at 2 p.m. Nov. 15 in its football game with Northwest Missouri State at Arrowhead Stadium. Tickets go on sale noon Friday.

FOUR HORNETS GET PRESEASON FOOTBALL HONORS: Four Emporia State football players — guard Jarrett Stastny, quarterback Brent Wilson, tackle Aaron Blount and wideout Austin Willis — were named to USA College Football’s preseason All-American watch list. Stastny was a first-teamer, Wilson a second-teamer and Blount and Willis third-teamers.